In a rare move, professional cleaners are warning us not to use vinegar and baking soda for a common household cleaning task: unclogging our pipes.
But why? Given thatclean with vinegarInclean with baking sodahas become so popular in recent years thanks to its powerful degreasing and deodorizing properties, that it's surprising to learn that it can actually do more harm than good when it comes to our plumbing.
We spoke to professional cleaners and plumbers to find out why you should never use vinegar and baking soda to unclog a drain, and what to do instead.
Why You Shouldn't Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean a Drain
It doesn't matter if you areclearing a sink, ofunclogging a bathroom drainVinegar has previously been touted as an effective way to get water flowing again. But while freshening our plumbing every now and then is still a good deodorizer, repeated use can weaken the integrity of our plumbing.
This is why.
(Billed credit: Hub House/Meghan Bob)
1. It is not strong enough to break down blockages
Vinegar and baking soda react strongly when combined, forming an effervescent chemical reaction. However, this effect is often not strong enough to actually break down stubborn blockages, causing a slowly draining sink, shower or bath, Nick Valentino,Piccolosays and make your drain one of the fewthings that should not be cleaned with vinegar.
“Vinegar itself is fine for everyday cleaning. It will clean up spills on your countertops and remove the mess from your floor, especially if you scrub. However, it is certainly not strong enough to handle serious food particles and microbial growth in a kitchen drain. be able to.
While you may have better luck with a combination of baking soda and vinegar, this is your best betDran-O, available at Target, or another chemical drain cleaner if your drain is clogged.”
Drano Max Gel's thick bleach formula cuts through standing water, clinging to the toughest clogs and breaking them down with ease." data-widget-type="deal">
Dran-o Max Gel |$4.99-16.99 at Target
Drano Max Gel's thick bleach formula cuts through standing water, clinging to the toughest clogs and breaking them down with ease.
2. It can damage rubber seals
Vinegar is generally considered a gentle cleaning agent, but it's worth remembering that it is still an acid and can wear out the rubber seals of your pipes over time - especially if it combines and reacts with baking soda , warns Ralph Abundo, an operations specialist atCanberra Bond cleanup.
Likeyou should never pour salt down the drainTo prevent damage, avoiding combining baking soda and vinegar can prevent leaks and other damage that plagues your kitchen over time, says Ralph.
3. It can corrode old pipes
It's not just rubber gaskets you need to pay attention to when unclogging drains. Vinegar and baking soda can also damage pipes, especially old pipes that haven't been replaced in years, says Mark Morris, currently an independent plumber.Luxury plumbersadds.
“Some homes, especially older ones, may have metal pipes. Consistent use of acidic solutions, such as vinegar, can accelerate the corrosion of these metal pipes, which over time can lead to weakened integrity and possible breakages or leaks. The reaction between Baking soda and vinegar can also produce salt, which can further contribute to the corrosion process. Therefore, regular use of these substances can inadvertently shorten the life of your plumbing infrastructure.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if too much baking soda goes down the drain?
If too much baking soda goes down the drain of a clog, it can sit on the clog and become a solid mass as it is exposed to more and more water. This makes the blockage worse and even more difficult to remove. Instead, consider using a commercial drain cleaner and deodorant designed to break down grease and hair clogs and freshen smelly pipes.
Do salt and boiling water clog the drain?
Salt and boiling water are not good drain cleaners or deodorizers and are best avoided if you have a slow-draining sink. Instead, consider a commercial plunger and flush it with boiling water after the recommended sitting time to remove clogs and bad odors from your pipes.
As if there are morereasons why your sink may not be drainingThere are several good solutions that won't cause further damage to your plumbing system, says Anglea Rubin, cleaning expert atSofterparticipation. “For a more reliable approach, consider using a plunger or drain hose to physically remove clogs. Enzyme-based cleaners are also gentle on the pipes and effective at breaking down organic matter,” she advises.
The best approach is to prevent blockages altogether, she adds: "Consider preventing blockages in the first placedrain strainer, at Amazon, to catch hair and dirt before they end up in the pipes. Regularly flushing the drains with hot water can help prevent build-up and it is important to prevent grease from entering the drain.'
